how to remove skin moles
What is a mole?
These little, coloured spots on the skin might be flat (like a freckle) or elevated, and they can appear anywhere from the head to the toe. Recent research has discovered that the amount and location of moles you have may be influenced by genetics, raising the possibility that moles run in families.
But are moles safe? Should they be removed, and can you do it yourself? Let us have a look.
Are moles harmful?
The good news is that most moles are harmless. In many situations, moles are merely a concentration of melanin, a natural skin pigment, that causes some patches of skin to seem darker than others. However, certain elevated moles can be irritating at times, especially if they press against clothing, and some people dislike the appearance of their moles, especially if they are prominently shown, such as on the face.
In rare cases, moles may indicate a more serious condition. Some moles may be symptoms of Melanoma, a kind of skin cancer. While melanoma is one of the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in the UK, it is also extremely curable, particularly if detected early.
Should moles be removed?
Moles that are normal – round in shape and even in colour – often do not need to be removed, especially if they are not causing discomfort. However, as some people do prefer to have their moles removed through classy cosmetic surgery, Bristol surgeons are often willing to discuss removal for aesthetic purposes.
However, there are some types of mole that should be removed, either because a biopsy has confirmed the presence of cancerous cells, or because changes to the appearance of the mole put you at greater risk in the future. It’s important that you know how to check your moles properly, and what to look out for.
The ABCDE technique is the simplest way to check moles.
Asymmetry – Is the mole an irregular shape?
Border – Does the mole have a blurred edge?
Colour – Does the mole have a mix of colours?
Diameter – Is the size of the mole greater than 6mm?
Evolution – Has the appearance of the mole changed recently?
If you answer yes to any of these 5 questions, you may want to consider mole removal.
Can moles be removed at home?
There has been a growing trend over recent years for at-home DIY mole removal, especially with new creams and lotions hitting the market, but attempting to remove a mole yourself can be dangerous. There are 3 major risks when removing a mole at home:
- Using creams and lotions may seem like the easiest way to remove a mole, but research shows that these products can increase the risk of keloid development. Keloids are large, raised scars, and in many cases they may be more noticeable and more frustrating than the mole itself!
- Performing surgery at home can increase the risk of infection. It’s vital that both the tools and the environment are clean and sterile when dealing with an open wound so that bacteria cannot enter. This is very challenging to achieve in a home environment, which is why clinics are the much safer option.
- The biggest risk of all is that you can’t be sure exactly what you’re dealing with without professional support. It’s possible that a mole may be cancerous. Cutting into cancerous cells at home can cause these cells to spread throughout the body, increasing the risk of other types of cancer developing.
If you are concerned about a mole, or you want to get rid of a mole for cosmetic reasons, it is always best to book an appointment with an experienced surgeon who specialises in mole removal.
What happens at an appointment?
Mole removal is a much simpler procedure than many people realize. Most moles can be removed quickly by numbing the skin around the mole with a local anesthetic and cutting away the lesion. This is performed as an outpatient procedure, and you will be able to leave once the wound has been stitched.